NEW DELHI: Godman Asaram Bapu, who has been in Jodhpur Central Jail since September 2 on charges of raping a minor, has welcomed the victory of the BJP in assembly elections in four states.

Talking to the media at the court of District and Sessions Judge Manoj Kumar Vyas in Jodhpur, the controversial godman blamed the Congress for framing him in the alleged rape case. He said his `curse’ is behind the defeat of the Congress in Rajasthan – where he is lodged in jail – and Delhi.

The godman and four of his associates have been charged under Sections 342 (wrongful confinement), 376(2) (f) (rape of minor girl), 376 D (rape), 354-A (outraging the modesty of a woman), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 109 (abetment to an offence) of the Indian Penal Code.

If found guilty, Asaram and the co-accused could be sentenced from 10 years to life term.

Co-accused Shilpi (left) who allegedly sent the minor girl to the godman from Chhindwada in August

But the two co-accused Shilpi and Shiva have challenged the charges against them in a revision petition filed in the high court. Shipli was the warden of the hostel in Chhindwada from where she sent the minor girl to the godman in Jodhpur.

Asaram Bapu had allegedly sexually molested the 16-year-old girl at his Manai ashram near Jodhpur on August 15 and he was arrested on September 1 from Indore.

Interestingly, Asaram Bapu had accused the Congress of instigating charges against him before his arrest.

His son Narayan Sai, who also faces charges of sexual assault by a Surat woman, was arrested last week from Haryana after a long hunt.

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